Our Services

Diagnostic Imaging

Departments & Services

X-Ray

X-rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation that are used to form images of structures inside the body.

X-Rays are used to assist in the investigation and diagnosis of a wide range of conditions including sprains or fractures, pulmonary conditions, cancer, digestive abnormalities, and many others. Fluoroscopy is another form of X-Ray that uses contrast dye and computer technology to outline structures of the body. Fluoroscopy allows “real-time” information regarding the function of organs such as stomach, intestines and blood vessels.

Bone Densitometry

The lower the patient’s BMD in comparison to statistical data, and other factors, the higher the patient’s risk for osteoporotic fracture. The test often takes less than ten minutes, focusing on the spine and hip, the most common problem areas.

Multislice CT Scanners

Multislice CT Scanners conduct “virtual tours” of the body and produce 3-D images that can be manipulated so physicians get clearer pictures and better vantage points, reducing the need for invasive and sometimes painful procedures.

This allows patients to be diagnosed faster and more accurately by way of detailed digital pictures inside of the body. CT Scans that previously took 30 minutes or more can now be accomplished in less a minute.

Mammography

A Mammogram is a procedure for detecting early breast cancer by means of X-rays of the breast.

It is an annual exam that is recommended for women aged 40+.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology, the “Surgery of the 21st Century”, Interventional Radiology is a diagnostic and treatment specialty that uses image-guided technology and only very small incisions through which a tiny catheter is threaded.

It is often an alternative to major surgery. Interventional Radiology can diagnose and treat many conditions, such as locating and dissolving blood clots, repair of blood vessels, biopsy, and the delivery of cancer-fighting medications directly to tumors.

Open MRI

An advanced diagnostic imaging procedure that creates detailed images of internal body structures to help physicians diagnose diseases and abnormalities in their early stages.

Open MRI is able to produce these detailed images through the use of a powerful magnet, radio waves and state-of-the-art computer technology. The Backus Diagnostic Imaging and Women’s Center at the Backus Outpatient Care Center in Norwich is the only facility in the region to offer the Hitachi Oasis, a 1.2 Tesla magnet that is the most powerful whole-body open MRI magnet available. It provides ultimate patient comfort and maximum image quality. This technology is especially effective for children, the elderly, claustrophobic and obese patients.

PET/CT Scanning

A sophisticated technology that Backus Hospital recently added to its array of diagnostic imaging tools.

This new technology, which hospitals across the country are scurrying to add to their services, takes two existing imaging modalities – PET and CT scans – and fuses them into one machine. One scan allows PET to detect minute fluctuations in the body’s metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells, while at the same time CT pinpoints the exact location, shape and size of a tumor.

Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound provides pictures of the body’s veins and arteries.

They are performed to help monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body; locate and identify blockages and abnormalities like blood clots, plaque, or emboli and help plan for their effective treatment; determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty; and to plan or evaluate the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses a probe and high frequency sound waves and their echoes, which are then translated to images on a computer screen.

The probe can be moved along the surface of the body and angled to obtain various views. Ultrasound is used widely in obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology and cancer detection.